Pearls are meant to be worn and enjoyed, but they do need a little extra care.
A few simple habits can make a big difference between restringing appointments. Put your necklace on after perfume and lotion have dried, wipe it gently after wearing it, and store it somewhere safe where it won't rub against harder jewellery.
Taking care of a pearl necklace is really about protecting both the pearls and the silk thread they're strung on.
After 25 years of working with pearls and jewellery from my Ladner Village studio, these are some of the simple care habits I recommend to my clients.
Why Pearl Necklace Care Matters
Pearls are organic gemstones and are more delicate than many of the other gemstones commonly used in jewellery. Their nacre can be scratched or damaged by harder materials and affected by chemicals and products we use every day.
Then there is the silk thread.
The silk gives a pearl necklace its beautiful drape and keeps the pearls properly spaced. With regular wear, the thread can gradually become stretched or worn.
Good pearl care helps protect the pearls while also helping you get the most from the silk between restringing appointments.
How Should You Wear a Pearl Necklace?
Pearls can absolutely be worn and enjoyed. The key is knowing when to put them on and when to take them off.
- Put your necklace on after perfume, hairspray and lotion have dried.
- Take it off before exercising, cooking, cleaning or doing rough work.
- Avoid wearing pearls in the shower, bath, pool or hot tub.
- Try to keep perspiration and other products away from the pearls.
- Take your necklace off before sleeping.
A simple rule to remember: pearls should be one of the last things you put on and one of the first things you take off.
If you're wondering whether your pearls are suitable for regular wear, you can also read my guide to pearl durability and daily wear.
How Should You Store a Pearl Necklace?
How you store your pearls matters almost as much as how you wear them.
Store your pearl necklace flat in a soft pouch or a lined jewellery compartment rather than hanging it. This helps reduce unnecessary strain on the silk thread.
Keep the necklace separate from harder jewellery such as diamonds and other gemstones that could scratch the surface of the pearls.
A cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is ideal. Avoid storing pearls in the bathroom, where changes in temperature and humidity are common.
How Should You Clean a Pearl Necklace?
Pearls don't need complicated cleaning routines.
After wearing your necklace, gently wipe the pearls with a soft, clean cloth to remove oils and perspiration before putting it away.
If your necklace needs a little more attention, use a cloth that is only slightly damp and wipe the pearls gently. Avoid soaking the necklace.
Never use abrasive cleaners, toothpaste, baking soda or household cleaning products on pearls.
I also recommend avoiding ultrasonic and steam cleaners unless a professional specifically advises that a particular piece is suitable for that type of cleaning.
For general jewellery maintenance, you can also read my guide to proper jewellery care and maintenance.
What Products Should You Keep Away From Pearls?
Some of the products we use every day can affect pearls or the silk they are strung on.
Keep your pearl necklace away from:
- Perfume and cologne
- Hairspray and other hair products
- Body lotion and sunscreen
- Cosmetics and foundation
- Household cleaners
- Chlorine and swimming-pool chemicals
The easiest approach is to apply your beauty products first, let them dry, and put your pearls on afterwards.
When you take the necklace off, give it a gentle wipe before storing it.
When Does a Pearl Necklace Need Restringing?
Even with good care, silk thread eventually needs to be replaced.
Keep an eye out for signs that your necklace may be ready for restringing:
- The necklace appears longer than it used to
- You notice larger gaps between the pearls
- The silk looks worn, fuzzy or discoloured
- Knots look loose or frayed
- The pearls move more than they used to
- The necklace has been worn regularly for a long time
Don't wait until the silk breaks to have your necklace checked. A broken strand can mean loose pearls falling onto the floor, and in some cases a damaged or lost pearl can be much harder to replace.
If you're unsure, bring the necklace in and I can take a look at the condition of the silk.
You can also read Is It Time to Restring Your Pearls? for more signs to look for.
What Can Pearl Care Fix?
Regular care is maintenance. It cannot replace worn silk or repair a damaged strand.
If the silk has stretched, become worn or the knots are starting to deteriorate, restringing is the appropriate next step.
My Pearl Necklace Restringing Services page explains what to expect when your necklace needs fresh silk.
A Simple Pearl Necklace Care Routine
If you want to keep it simple, remember these six steps:
- Put your pearls on last.
- Take them off before sleeping, exercising or doing household work.
- Keep them away from perfume, lotions and chemicals.
- Gently wipe them after wearing.
- Store them flat and separate from harder jewellery.
- Check the silk regularly for signs of wear.
A few minutes of care can help you enjoy a favourite pearl necklace for many years.
Pearl Necklace Care FAQs
Can I wear perfume with my pearl necklace?
Yes, but apply your perfume and other beauty products first and allow them to dry before putting on your pearls.
Can I shower or swim while wearing pearls?
It's best to remove your pearl necklace before showering, bathing or swimming. Water, chlorine and other products can affect both the pearls and the silk thread.
How should I store my pearl necklace?
Store it flat in a soft pouch or lined compartment, away from harder jewellery that could scratch the pearls.
How often should I clean my pearl necklace?
A gentle wipe with a soft, clean cloth after wearing is usually a good habit. Avoid harsh cleaners and never soak the strand.
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner on pearls?
No. Pearl necklaces should not be placed in an ultrasonic cleaner. If you're unsure about cleaning a particular piece, have it assessed by a professional.
How often should a pearl necklace be restrung?
The answer depends on how often the necklace is worn and the condition of the silk. If you wear your pearls regularly, it's a good idea to have the strand checked periodically rather than waiting for the silk to break.
How do I know if my pearl necklace needs restringing?
Look for stretched or fuzzy silk, loose or worn knots, larger gaps between the pearls, or a strand that seems longer than it used to.
If you're unsure, have the necklace checked by a jeweller who works with pearl restringing.
Give Your Pearls the Care They Deserve
Pearls are pieces that often carry special memories, whether they were a wedding gift, passed down through your family, or simply a favourite necklace you've worn for years.
With a little regular care and timely restringing, you can continue enjoying them for years to come.
If you're not sure whether your pearl necklace needs restringing, book a pearl necklace assessment at my Ladner Village studio. I'll take a look at the strand and give you an honest recommendation about what it needs, if anything.